Women’s Professional Volleyball Assn. Director Bryan Resigns

Forty-four days after taking over as the executive director of the Women’s Professional Volleyball Assn., Flo Bryan has resigned, according to WPVA information director Tim Simmons.

Bryan, who is said to have tendered her resignation on Tuesday, refused comment Thursday night.

The WPVA board met Thursday in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico, the sight of a season-opening $50,000 tournament that is scheduled to begin today. Barbra Fontana, the president of the WPVA, also declined comment.

Bryan’s resignation came a day before the Assn. of Volleyball Professionals, the governing body of the men’s pro beach tour, officially announced the formation of a rival women’s tour. The AVP, which signed seven of the top players from the WPVA, will begin its women’s tour this weekend in Phoenix.

The WPVA has been beset by financial and organizational problems. In November, Roxanne Vargas resigned as executive director, paving the way for the hiring of Bryan.